Kaduna State launches new market
Sule Gujiya, Governor Uba Sani, and Prof. Idris Bugaje were present at the inauguration ceremony for the remodeled Panteka market. Governor Sani emphasized that the renovated Panteka would boast modern facilities and access roads, aiming to attract patronage from neighboring states and enhance business activities within the market.
He further elaborated that the new market infrastructure would include access roads, a clinic, fire service facilities, restrooms, an ICT center, as well as skill acquisition centers, all geared towards creating job opportunities and fostering investments. Sani expressed his commitment to improving the lives of the people and enhancing their livelihoods, mentioning that the new Panteka would be equipped with transformers to ensure reliable power supply.
In his address, Prof. Idris Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), revealed that the old Panteka market accommodates 38,000 artisans and apprentices. He emphasized that these individuals are undergoing training in various skills, highlighting the market’s significance as the largest informal technology hub in Africa.
Bugaje emphasized, “Panteka market symbolizes hard work, resilience, job creation, poverty alleviation, creativity, innovation, and serves as a beacon of hope for unemployed youths.”
He noted that since 2021, Panteka has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kaduna Polytechnic to formalize skills training within the market, with some apprentices graduating as recently as November 2023.
Bugaje highlighted, “Panteka’s significance extends beyond its borders. Even counterparts like Kenya’s ‘Jua Kali’ pale in comparison, boasting only a fraction of Panteka’s membership. It holds a rich history intertwined with the development of Kaduna city, the former capital of the Northern Region.”
Continuing, he stated, “Panteka’s transformation is timely and deserving. In recognition of its role, the NBTE has granted Panteka the status of a full-fledged Training Center, encouraging them to pursue Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certification for their apprentices.”
Chairman of Panteka market, Alhaji Sule Gujiya, lauded Governor Sani and Prof. Bugaje for their dedicated efforts in revitalizing the market and fostering a sense of belonging among its workers.
